Piperine

The Power of Piperine: A New Ally in the Fight Against Cancer

In our unending quest to defeat the pernicious foe that is cancer, we are continually seeking new allies. One such companion has recently emerged from the most unassuming of places – the humble black pepper. Known scientifically as Piperine, this vital component of black pepper is not only amplifying the benefits of other natural compounds but also displaying its own potential in cancer treatment.

Piperine, a key ingredient in black pepper, is renowned for its capacity to inhibit hepatic and intestinal glucuronidation, a biochemical process that affects drug metabolism. Remarkably, it is also touted as an enhancer of curcumin bioavailability - curcumin being a component of turmeric revered for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

The symbiotic relationship between piperine and curcumin is compelling. In humans, curcumin's bioavailability spiked by an astonishing 2,000% at 45 minutes after being orally administered with piperine. A comparative study in rats showed a significant 154% increase in serum concentration of curcumin when administered simultaneously with piperine. Moreover, no adverse effects were recorded, affirming the safety of the combined administration of these compounds 1.

In an intriguing extension of these studies, epileptic rats experienced up to a 20-fold increase in curcumin's bioavailability when administered alongside piperine 2. Concurrent administration of these compounds even resulted in a higher intestinal absorption of curcumin, which remained detectable for longer in body tissues 3. This promising synergy led to the creation of curcumin-piperine (Cu-Pi) nanoparticles, designed to further enhance bioavailability, cellular uptake, and biological effects 4.

Beyond its relationship with curcumin, piperine alone has shown promising attributes. Notably, it was discovered to inhibit ACAT1 and ACAT2 isozymes, key players in cholesterol metabolism. This inhibition was observed to a similar extent in cell-based assays 5. With these findings, piperine is also being suggested as a potential treatment for obesity-related diseases 6.

In terms of dosage, the recommended daily amount of piperine typically ranges from 5 to 15 mg. Piperine is rapidly and effectively absorbed from the digestive tract. It starts influencing the absorption of other substances approximately 15 minutes post-dosing, with effects lasting for one to two hours. However, its effects on metabolic enzymes may endure for a much longer duration, making it a candidate for potential anti-cancer applications.

To summarize, piperine has surfaced as a significant contender in our arsenal against cancer. Its potent effects, both in enhancing the bioavailability of curcumin and in its own right, make it a compound worthy of further exploration and study. As we seek to unlock the full potential of natural compounds in the fight against cancer, piperine stands as a beacon of hope.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3918523/#B95
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3918523/#B111
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3918523/#B112
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3918523/#B113
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18520030/
6. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf204514a?src=recsys&journalCode=jafcau